Our Founder

John McEnearney, Founder of McEnearney Associates, passed away on October 8, 2014 at the age of 87. An admired and respected real estate legend in the community, John’s devotion and loyalty to the company and its Associates, clients and customers is a testament to the major contributions and success of the firm throughout the years.

Born November 8, 1926, John graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1949 and served on active duty as a Naval officer for 27 years. During his time in the Navy, his tours of duty included such diverse and interesting places as Korea, Antarctica, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Brooklyn and Washington, D.C. During two years’ service in Vietnam, in direct support of the U.S. Marines, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, presented to him personally by four-star General Lewis Walt of the United States Marine Corp. Roger Staubach was a junior officer under John’s command in Vietnam. Earlier in his Navy career, he jogged around the world six times on his birthday – at the South Pole.

The day following his retirement as a Navy Captain in 1976, John joined a residential brokerage firm in Alexandria, Virginia. His performance during his three years as an agent qualified him as one of the top real estate professionals in Northern Virginia. He went on to acquire his broker’s license and founded McEnearney Associates.

John opened the first office of McEnearney Associates, Inc. in 1980. Initially, the firm specialized in marketing fine residential properties in Old Town Alexandria. Over the years, McEnearney Associates has expanded to eight residential offices, a commercial office, a Relocation Department and three locations for Property Management. The firm now serves the entire Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Area and is consistently ranked among the 75 largest real estate firms by sales volume in the United States.

"His [John's] goal was to gain the respect of the public and to provide real estate services that are second to none." - Maureen McEnearney Dunn

"When my father founded McEnearney Associates more than 34 years ago, his goal was to gain the respect of the public and to provide real estate services that are second to none. We are proud to continue his legacy and uphold this mission still today", says Maureen McEnearney Dunn, President of McEnearney Associates. John was an industry and community leader, and a dedicated philanthropist. He served on the Board of Directors of the Northern Virginia Association of REALTORS® and was recognized as Businessman of the Year by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce in 2006. John was an active supporter of more than 50 organizations, including The Hopkins House; Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN); Alexandria Senior Services; and Children’s National Medical Center. His personal contributions to so many organizations were in addition to his philosophy of corporate giving from the company.

According to family and friends, John preferred face-to-face or telephone conversations over voice mail or email, though he did develop a reputation for thoroughly researched letters and giving his honest opinions. Described as a smart and generous man, John earned a highly valued reputation for exceptional service and outstanding performance in the real estate industry and in the community. Always invested in the personal and professional well being of his agents, John created a family firm in which everyone is a part of the family.

"John always invested in the personal and professional well being of his agents."

Pam O’Connor, the President and CEO of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, had this to say about John:

“While many will honor John McEnearney – and deservedly so – for his illustrious Navy career and Bronze Star honors, he was much more than that. He cared deeply about elevating the real estate profession by connecting with those who shared his values and by creating a company that stands for the best in the industry. We are blessed to have that wonderful company in Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®. Despite John’s military bearing and impressive credentials, he was immensely kind and approachable. From the day I met him, he was one of my favorite and most admired brokers in our network. Given the quality and scope of the LeadingRE organization, that is saying a lot. Thank you, John, for all you represented and for the very special legacy you leave behind.”

John created a legacy of service and commitment that inspires all of us at McEnearney Associates every day.